Youth, Family, and Education

Sunday School

Putting together kitchen kits to be donated to Acton Household Goods.

The St John Sunday school program meets during the 9 month school calendar. Classes begin after the 9AM Worship service and end at 11:10AM . Classes are split according to age similarities. Our curriculum for Pre-K through 4th is The Spark Bible and lessons. Grades 5 and 6 utilize “Connect”, an Augsburg Fortress curriculum rooted in quirky DVD lessons and focuses on Biblical stories. Also Included in the curriculum are focus units: Holy Baptism, The Lord’s Prayer, The Apostle’s Creed, and The Ten Commandments. Mutigenerational Sunday school are also part of the broader community landscape. We are very committed to strengthening the ties throughout the church community in word and deed. Sunday school classes also participate in a variety of service projects throughout the year.

Students in grades 5 and up are welcomed and invited to participate in Worship as acolytes. Training is ongoing.

Loaves and Fishes is an activity when families with little ones can explore Holy Communion; what does that mean and when is the time right. This program is offered in the fall.

All students in 3rd grade receive a Bible as a gift from the Congregation in the fall. Students in 5th grade and their families are invited to “Recommit to the Altar” as a chance to refocus on Holy Communion. These youngsters get a chance to spend additional time with the Pastor prior to the service.

All Sunday school teachers, nursery caregivers, visitors to homebound, and those working with seniors are CORI checked.

Confirmation

Confirmation Class Oct. 28, 2018

Confirmation instruction is a two-year intensive study opportunity for 7th and 8th graders. 2 hour classes Sunday evenings 5:30 - 7:30 pm starting with a meal. Classes are led by the Pastor Don Larsen and the Confirmation Ministry Team. The Augsburg Fortress curriculum, “Colaborate” is utilized. The lessons are broken into four units; The Old Testament, Lutheran History & Catechism, New Testament, and Living Lutheran. There are also homework assignments as well as an Elder Interview to be completed. This gives the student an opportunity to engage in discussion with an older adult in regards to their faith journey, as well as strengthen the inter generational bond. The program culminates in each student's public reaffirmation of their Baptismal promises on Reformation Sunday.

Put another way . . . it’s a chance to ‘dig deeper’ into the meaning of the Bible, to ‘re-consider’ how we can be part of the greater Lutheran church, to get to know other kids in the parish a bit better, to establish a trusting relationship with adults who care deeply about religion and deeply about kids. Service projects are an important part of the learning process. Examples include in-house baking projects, sandwich making for The Salvation Army in Framingham, raising funds for local food pantries, and helping sponsor a Last Hope K 9event for rescue dogs to just name a few.

“ the covenant God made with you in holy baptism: to live among God’s faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.” Affirmation of Baptism

Parents and students, grades 7 and 8 please plan to join us for the Confirmation Family Kick-Off on Sunday, September 16th, 2018 at 5:30PM.

A discussion of class curriculum, expectations, and a broad look at the year, will take place and a few games. We look forward to a new exciting year and hope your child will join us.

youth group

Youth Group consists of students in grades 7 and up. A Sunday morning education hour is enhanced by service, both in house and outside. Such projects include making centerpieces and desserts for our monthly Senior Luncheon, Easter Baskets for young mothers and their children at Florence House, luncheon events with the residents of Emmanuel Village, and college care packages for our own students. Youth Group also engages in other fun activities like; concerts, movies, and in house pizza and game events. We have a newly renovated Youth Room! We are currently working on stained glass artwork and creating a wall mural, to be hand painted by the youth.

The ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston happens this June 2018. We are very focused on raising funds for our group of ten to get there. We will be hosting a Country Western Night on Saturday March 3rd, full to the brim with BBQ, music, silent auction, and line dancing.

For more information on any of these groups please contact the Director of Youth, Family, and Education at youth@stjohnsudbury.org

Adult education

Adult Forum meets on Sundays in the sanctuary at 10:10 am.

Grab a cup of coffee and join us!

From September thru May we gather in the sanctuary during the Education hour to explore our Christian faith. These sessions are lead by our pastor, guests, and dedicated disciples from our congregation. Formats include videos, bible studies, book talks, and presentations. Here is a list of a few of our upcoming topics…

May 19: Erick and Robin Koskinen will give us a “Bryn-in-Madagascar” update, as well as details of their recent trip to visit her there.

May 26: Memorial Day weekend (no program)

June 9: St. John conversations: we will discuss topics that are currently being considered, or should be taken up, by the Congregational Council.

The Thursday Morning Adult Bible Study meets at 10:00 AM. All are welcome. If you've never participated in a Bible study group, this is your ticket! Beginning Thursday, March 14, the group will explore First Corinthians 15 and materials related to it. This chapter is Paul’s great reflection on the resurrection, as such, is a great topic for us to explore during Lent. Join us at 10:00 am on Thursdays. You are welcome to come and participate as often as you can.

Puppets

St John Puppet Ministry has been a contributor to the Education Ministry for 13 years. The puppets aim to present the Word of God to children as well as adults. Our scripts have focused on various seasons of the liturgical year like "Holy Week Busy-ness" and "Born In A Barn". Stewardship was addressed with our proclamation entitled " Gifts" and Outreach with "Send Me", a proclamation for God’s Global Barnyard. These are only a few of the many programs that we have given over the years. One of our members has composed original music to accompany our messages. Additional titles of interest are " Going To Camp", I’m a Little Bit Scared", "If Pigs Could Fly", "It’s Surprising", "What’s In a Name", "The Great Lutheran Cook –Off", and "Friends".